Vikings Top Texans to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Vikings defeated the Houston Texans Sunday afternoon 23-6 to improve to 9-6 and keep their playoff hopes alive. Minnesota fell behind 3-0 but led 13-3 at halftime. Adrian Peterson was held to 86 yards rushing on 25 carries and is now 208 yards away from Eric Dickerson's single season rushing record with just 1 game to play.

Christian Ponder was 16-30 for 174 yards with 1 touchdown with no interceptions and 48 rushing yards. Kyle Rudolph caught a 3-yard touchdown pass and Toby Gerhart sealed the win with a 3-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter. Blair Walsh was 3-3 on field goals including a 56-yard field goal in the first half.

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Minnesota held Arian Foster to 15 yards rushing on 10 carries and Matt Schaub threw for 178 yards for the Texans. Houston fails to clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs in the AFC.

The Vikings are in position that if they win at home against Green Bay on December 30 Minnesota earns a wildcard spot in the NFC. The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys both lost Sunday to drop to 8-7 while Chicago and Washington both won to improve to 9-6.

The Vikings play at Green Bay Sunday December 30 at noon, pregame on WJON at 11am.